Don’t Drag Religion, Ethnicity Into Politics, Onaiyekan Warns Politicians

CATHOLIC cleric Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan yesterday urged politicians against bringing religion and ethnicity into politics.

He faulted those campaigning on religious sentiments for trying to manipulate Nigerians along religious divide.

The cleric, who spoke on Channels Television, Politics on Sunday, described as on unfortunate that some political actors have been using religion as an instrument of division.

According to him, Nigeria, being a secular state, should not be bothered about religious beliefs.

The member of the National Peace Committee (NPC), also dismissed ethnicity as a none an issue in the country.

Onaiyekan According to him, while ethnicity was not by choice, each Nigerian chose his or religion and that should not be any issue in the political space.

He expressed concern on the spate of violence, particularly, as the persistent attacks on the facilities belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the destruction of materials by arsonists.

He said: “I can tell you that I’m worried at the way things are going. There have been several violence cases of violence and hate speeches being said by the politicians and their followers.

“INEC has been doing its best to curtail some of these challenges.”

On religion, he said: “It should not be an issue. What has been an issue is that those running the business of religion are not doing the right thing.

“When people don’t respect other religious groups that is where the problem is. The other aspect is when politicians campaign on the biases of religious sentiments.”

He urged the electorate not allow themselves to be manipulated on religious sentiments.

The religious leader said Nigerians wanted a leader that can guarantee peace, equity and justice.

“Nigerians already know what they want. They want a good and stable government that promotes truth and justice”, Onaiyekan said.